Factors influencing loneliness among older people using homecare services during the COVID‐19 pandemic

Abstract

Background Elderly homecare service users may reduce their level of social participation and interpersonal interactions due to physiological loss, which may lead to loneliness and depression over the years. However, there is a lack of research on loneliness among older people who use homecare services. The purpose of this study was to examine the factors influencing loneliness among older people using homecare services. Methods This is a longitudinal study conducted in communities in Central Taiwan, and data were collected using a structured questionnaire. The questionnaire was first administered as a pre‐test to obtain baseline information about the participants, and the same questionnaire was administered as a post‐test after 6 months to follow‐up. The pre‐ and post‐test questionnaires included five sections, that is, participant demographics, Brief Symptom Rating Scale, Interpersonal Interaction Scale (IIS), Frenchay Activities Index, and UCLA Loneliness Scale (UCLA). Results A total of 178 participants were recruited in this study. Results indicated that gender, whether participants eat alone or with others at dinner, social media use, perceived economic status, and IIS score were significantly correlated with the loneliness score on the UCLA. Furthermore, there was a significant increase in the loneliness score among male participants in the low loneliness group from baseline to 6 months follow‐up. Conclusions Gender, presence of others at dinner, social media use, perceived economic status, and interpersonal interaction skills are significant factors that influence loneliness among older people using homecare services. Men tend to experience higher levels of loneliness over time.

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“…[27][28][29] These negative emotional states can trigger serious health issues, diminish quality of life and life expectancy, and even contribute to suicide. 27,[30][31][32] Additionally, anxiety and depression frequently coexist with physical ailments, often misconstrued as typical aspects of aging. 33 Despite the utilization of various interventions-both pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical-there persists a need for effective, non-invasive interventions readily applicable within long-term care environments.…”

“…Specifically, reported prevalence rates for anxiety and depression stand at 14% and 71.8%, respectively 27–29 . These negative emotional states can trigger serious health issues, diminish quality of life and life expectancy, and even contribute to suicide 27,30–32 . Additionally, anxiety and depression frequently coexist with physical ailments, often misconstrued as typical aspects of aging 33 .…”